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U.N. Warns Bird Flu
Is Likely to Spread,
Urges Preparations

A Wall Street Journal NEWS ROUNDUP

Updated Sept. 1, 2005 11:59 p.m. ET

The bird-flu virus that has hit several Asian countries is likely to spread to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the United Nation's food agency warned, urging countries at risk to step up surveillance and prepare national emergency plans.

The most immediate threat is to poultry farms, but the virus's spread also increases fears that it could mutate into a form dangerous to humans.